SUMMER DUCK RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 220C/gas 7/fan 200C. Score the duck breasts on their skin side with a very sharp knife, then press the cracked pepper on to the skin and sprinkle with the salt. Heat a heavy-based frying pan until it is very hot, then put the breasts skin-side down in the hot pan, without added fat. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin is crisp, then turn and cook on the other side for 2 minutes. Transfer the duck breasts, skin-side up, to a baking tray, pour the fat into a bowl and wipe the frying pan clean. Roast the duck for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness.
• While the duck is roasting, prepare the vegetables. Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 10 minutes. Remove the duck breasts from the oven and set aside to rest for about 10 minutes. After the potatoes have cooked for 10 minutes, tip in the broad beans and cook for 1 minute, then add the peas and cook for 3-4 minutes until all the vegetables are tender. Drain well.
• Heat half the duck fat in the frying pan until hot, and cook the bacon until browned, about 4 minutes. Toss in the garlic and veg until piping hot and glossy. Pour in the vinegar, let it bubble, then stir in the parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Serve with the duck.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Rub the five-spice into the duck breast on both sides and place in a medium frying pan, skin-side down. Fry the breast on a medium heat for 4 mins until the skin turns golden brown. Cook for 1 min on the other side to seal the meat, then transfer to a small baking tray and wipe out the pan. Put the duck in the oven for 10 mins (or 12-14 mins if you like it cooked through).
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in the pan and gently cook the shallots for about 5 mins until soft. Add the plum sauce, soy, vinegar and sesame oil. Turn the heat to high and simmer for about 2 mins until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat, tip in half the pomegranate seeds and leave to cool.
• Once the duck breasts are cooked, leave them to rest while you prepare the rest of the salad. Heat a griddle pan on a high heat and char the lettuce quarters for 2 mins each side. Put the carrots and cucumber in a bowl and toss with half the dressing.
• Pile onto a serving platter with the lettuce and avocado. Slice the duck breast into 6 thick slices, arrange on top and scatter over the remaining pomegranate seeds. Serve the extra dressing on the side.